Hearing loss is often seen as a men’s health issue, but data shows many women in midlife and beyond are also affected
Hearing loss is often seen as something that mainly affects men. But a growing body of evidence shows it is also a significant issue for women, especially in their 50s and 60s.
Around a third of women in their 50s and nearly two-thirds in their 60s have some level of hearing loss.
While men are still nearly twice as likely to report hearing problems, this is partly explained by occupational noise exposure. For women, hormonal shifts such as those during menopause may also play a role. Oestrogen is believed to help protect the inner ear, and its decline may increase vulnerability to hearing loss.
Many factors
As with men, hearing loss in women can be caused by ageing, genetics, noise exposure or chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
But the link to hormonal changes is an area of increasing interest, especially given the large number of women affected during midlife transitions.
Left unaddressed, hearing loss can lead to social withdrawal, anxiety and depression. It is also linked to cognitive decline and dementia, making early diagnosis important for long-term health and well-being. Yet many people wait years before seeking help.
“Hearing loss is one of those conditions that creeps up on people, especially women who may not expect to be affected,” said Micaela Stonestreet, a Clinical Audiologist at Hearology®. “We see many women who come to us after putting up with symptoms for years. But with the right diagnosis and treatment, their quality of life can improve dramatically.”
Effective and discreet
The most common form of hearing loss, sensorineural, is usually permanent but manageable. Today's hearing aids are far more advanced and discreet than in the past, with features like Bluetooth, AI sound processing, rechargeable batteries and tinnitus masking. Comprehensive hearing assessments, carried out by qualified audiologists, are the gateway to these treatments.
Regular hearing tests are advised every three to five years for adults, and annually for over-60s. Women are more likely than men to seek treatment early, a key factor in preserving quality of life.
National data
Among adults aged 45 to 64, about 11% of women report some hearing difficulty. In those over 65, that figure rises to nearly 24%. While men still show higher rates overall – 17% and 31% respectively – the gap narrows with age.
Women are also more likely to attribute their hearing loss to ageing, whereas men more often cite noise exposure. This reflects broader gender differences in work environments and health patterns, and underlines the need for better awareness of hearing issues in women.
References
- Hearing loss risks rise in post‑menopause – Harvard Health
- Sex differences in hearing loss – NCBI (Villavisanis et al.)
- Hearing and menopause risk overview – EurekAlert summary
- Gender and hearing sensitivity differences – Nature (Liu et al. 2025)
